Prayers for When Bible Reading is Hard
May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
Psalm 119v173
For when I don’t know where to start:
‘The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.’ (Ps 119v130)
Oh Father, I don’t know where to start. It feels like I’m in the dark. Please help me. I want to feast on the riches of your word. I praise you that the unfolding of your words shine light into my darkness. O Father, I call out to you for insight and understanding, that I may open up your Word today and see more of Jesus. Please open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things in your law. I need you to teach me, to guide me, to direct my path. Thank you Lord that you promise to do so. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. Amen.
For when I just don’t want to read it:
‘Turn my heart towards your statues, and not towards selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.’ (Ps 119v36-37)
Father I confess that I just don’t have a desire to read your Word at the moment. I’m sorry that I desire other things more. I’m sorry for where I’m not desiring to hear from you, and to listen to what you are saying through your life-giving word. Lord please forgive me. O Father, please stir my affection for you again. Turn my heart towards you, and away from selfish gain. O Father help me to see clearly the privilege it is to open up your Word and hear from you today. Lord delight my heart afresh in the riches I have in Christ. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. Amen.
For when I have nothing in the tank:
‘I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.’ (Ps 119v25)
Be gracious to me Lord, as I open up your word today. Thank you that in my weakness, you are sufficient. Thank you that you are my ever present help in my time of need. O Lord please work powerfully through your word today, that I may behold Jesus again and that my heart would be lifted to you in praise and worship, whatever the day holds. I am weak, but you are strong. I have nothing to give, but I come ready to receive. I am laid low in the dust. Preserve me today, Heavenly Father, according to your word. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. Amen.
For when it just feels boring:
‘Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.’ (Ps 119v89-91)
Heavenly Father, I’m sorry that I’m just struggling to find joy in reading your Word at the moment. Thank you that your word is eternal and endures to this day. Lord, as I open your Word today, please may you become greater, and I become less. Help me to see more of your glory. Help me to delight in you, as I am reminded of your faithfulness through all generations. Lord, stir my wonder and affection for you, even through portions of Scripture that I don’t fully understand. O Father, please work in my heart, by your spirit, to help me persevere, so that I may taste again the sweetness of your words, and that by it, I may taste and see that you are good. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. Amen.
